If you’re struggling to remember your Wi-Fi password and need to retrieve it from your Windows 11 computer, you’re in luck. With just a few commands in the Command Prompt (CMD), you can easily find your Wi-Fi password. This guide will walk you through the steps to check your Wi-Fi password using CMD in Windows 11.
How to Check Wi-Fi Password in Windows 11 CMD
By following these steps, you’ll be able to retrieve your saved Wi-Fi password from Windows 11 using Command Prompt. This method is handy if you’ve forgotten your password and need to connect a new device to your network.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Press Windows Key + S, type “cmd,” and select “Command Prompt” from the search results.
The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that allows you to perform various tasks on your computer. Make sure you’re running it as an administrator to avoid any permission issues.
Step 2: Enter the Network Profile Command
Type netsh wlan show profiles and press Enter.
This command will list all the Wi-Fi networks your computer has connected to. Each network profile has a unique name, which you’ll need for the next step.
Step 3: Identify Your Network Name
Find your Wi-Fi network name in the list of profiles.
Look for the name of the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to retrieve. Note it down, as you’ll need it for the next command.
Step 4: Display the Password
Type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear and press Enter.
Replace “YourNetworkName” with the name of your Wi-Fi network. This command will show detailed information about the network, including the password.
Step 5: Locate the Key Content
Look for the “Key Content” line in the displayed information.
The “Key Content” line will show your Wi-Fi password. This is the password you can use to connect other devices to the network.
After completing these steps, you will see the Wi-Fi password for the specified network. You can now use this password to connect new devices or share it with others.
Tips for Checking Wi-Fi Password in Windows 11 CMD
- Make sure to run Command Prompt as an administrator to access all commands.
- Use quotation marks around your network name if it contains spaces.
- Double-check the network name to avoid retrieving the wrong password.
- Keep your Wi-Fi password secure and avoid sharing it with untrusted individuals.
- Regularly update your Wi-Fi password for better security.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open Command Prompt as an administrator?
Right-click on the Command Prompt application and select “Run as administrator.”
What if my network name contains spaces?
Use quotation marks around the network name, like this: name="Your Network Name".
Can I check the password for any Wi-Fi network?
You can only check passwords for networks your computer has connected to in the past.
What if I get an “Access Denied” error?
Make sure you’re running Command Prompt as an administrator.
Is it safe to use Command Prompt for this task?
Yes, it is safe as long as you follow the steps correctly and do not alter other system settings.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt
- Enter the Network Profile Command
- Identify Your Network Name
- Display the Password
- Locate the Key Content
Conclusion
Checking your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11 CMD is a straightforward process once you know the steps. By using just a few commands, you can retrieve passwords for any Wi-Fi network your computer has connected to. This can be especially useful if you need to connect new devices or share your network with friends and family. Always remember to keep your network secure and change your password regularly to ensure your data remains safe. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other CMD functions that can make your computing life easier. Don’t hesitate to share this article with anyone who might find it useful. Happy networking!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.